How God’s Word Delivered Me from Depression

Let me start by sharing what depression actually is.

The American Psychiatric Association defines it as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. It often causes sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and can lead to various emotional and physical problems, affecting your ability to function at home, work, and in relationships.

According to experts, there are four main causes of depression:• Family history• Illness and health issues• Medication, drugs, and alcohol• Personality

If I had to place myself, it would likely fall under personality.

My First Encounter with Depression

I experienced my first real battle with depression in 1998, at just 20 years old, while working as a bank teller at CIBC.

Oddly enough, it always showed up around my menstrual cycle. I’d feel overwhelmed by sadness, completely unmotivated, and mentally trapped in dark thoughts. I began to feed that depression—entertaining sad memories, dark scenarios, and hopelessness. It got so bad that I started spotting (bleeding) even outside of my normal cycle. That’s when fear crept in. I knew something had to change.

How God Delivered Me

Deliverance came through one simple Bible verse. Yes—just one.

The Holy Spirit kept reminding me of it until I truly let it sink in. Every time those dark feelings returned, I clung to this scripture. I made a choice not to feed those emotions anymore. And as I stood firm in the Word, the spotting stopped. So did the migraines. And little by little, my joy returned.

I can’t say my experience is exactly like yours, but I can tell you this: God’s Word heals. I’d rather lean on His promises than be bound to pills or settle into something the enemy wants me to accept.

The Battle Is Spiritual

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that:

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities… against the rulers of darkness… and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.”

What the world calls “mental illness,” the Bible often calls spiritual warfare. The world may try to medicate it, but God wants to heal and deliver us from it.

The Verse That Set Me Free

Matthew 6:25-26 (KJV)

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink… Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air… yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

That was it. That’s what broke the chain. And when anxiety tried to rise again, I added this:

Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Worship Is a Weapon

When depression tries to sneak in, turn on some worship music and enter God’s presence. Sing out. Praise Him. Let the Holy Spirit flood your atmosphere and drive out the darkness.

Just like when David played his harp to soothe King Saul from the tormenting spirit, worship can bring peace when the mind is under attack.

“In Your presence is fullness of joy…” – Psalm 16:11

Depression Is a Spirit—And You Have Authority Over It

I truly believe that depression is a demonic spirit, not just a condition. And as believers, we’ve been given authority over it.

Luke 10:19 (KJV):

“Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy.”

When sadness starts creeping in, I pray and worship until joy returns. I speak the Word. I stand in faith. I command that spirit to leave—and it does.

A Prayer to Break Free

“I bind and rebuke every spirit of depression, anxiety, fear, or discouragement in Jesus’ name. I cast you out and command you back to the pit of hell. I declare no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I pull down every stronghold and negative thought the enemy has planted and bring it into obedience to Christ Jesus. I am free, healed, and restored in Jesus' name.”

Everything starts in the mind. You have control. Don’t let the devil plant lies. Fight back with the truth of God’s Word.

Taking Your Thoughts Captive

One of the biggest battles we fight is in our minds. The enemy knows that if he can control your thoughts, he can control your emotions and actions. That’s why the Bible tells us:

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV)

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

This verse is a weapon against depression. When negative, fearful, or hopeless thoughts come, you don’t have to accept them. You take them captive and replace them with the truth of God’s Word.

Example:The devil whispers: “You’re worthless, no one cares about you.”➡ You respond: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). God has a plan and a purpose for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). I am loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).”

The more you train your mind to fight back with scripture, the weaker those depressive thoughts will become.

Biblical Examples of Overcoming Depression

You’re not alone in this battle. Many mighty people of God wrestled with deep sorrow, but God restored them.

1. Elijah – Overwhelmed & Wanted to Die

Elijah was a powerful prophet, yet in 1 Kings 19, he reached a breaking point. He fled to the wilderness, sat under a tree, and prayed to die.

“It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life.” (1 Kings 19:4)

But what did God do? He sent an angel to strengthen him, provided food and rest, and then spoke to him in a still small voice.

✅ Lesson: When you feel like giving up, God is still near. He sees your exhaustion and wants to refresh and restore you.

2. David – A Man After God’s Heart, Yet Often in Deep Sorrow

David poured out his heart in the Psalms, many times expressing feelings of despair:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” (Psalm 42:5)

✅ Lesson: David acknowledged his pain but always turned back to worship. That’s the key—don’t stay in despair; shift your focus to God’s goodness.

Practical Steps to Overcoming Depression Spiritually

If you’re battling depression, I encourage you to take intentional steps toward healing. Here are a few that helped me:

1. Start Your Day with God’s Word

Before your phone, before social media—open your Bible. Let God’s truth be the first voice you hear in the morning.

2. Declare Scriptures Over Yourself

Speak life over yourself. Even if you don’t feel like it, say what God says about you.

• “I am more than a conqueror.” (Romans 8:37)

• “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

• “I will not fear, for God is with me.” (Isaiah 41:10)

3. Surround Yourself with Worship

Fill your home, your car, and your mind with worship music. The presence of God will drive away darkness.

4. Stay Connected to Other Believers

The enemy loves isolation. Depression makes you want to withdraw, but fight that urge. Stay in fellowship, whether through church, small groups, or close faith-filled friends.

5. Fast & Pray

Sometimes, deliverance comes through fasting. If you feel stuck, ask God if He’s leading you to a fast. It breaks strongholds and brings clarity.

Final Encouragement: You Are Not Alone

If you’re reading this and still struggling, I want you to know:

💛 God sees you.

💛 You are not forgotten.

💛 There is hope, and there is healing.

Check out this video from my Christian Fiction-Life's Journey our Greatest Test, where the main character's life was transformed by scriptures that were constantly spoken into his life.